The streak was not just 10 straight games, but also 10 straight days of action. The Nationals didn’t have a break during the run and still don’t as they continue to face the Giants in Washington.

There are a few takeaways from the streak, but none more important than the fact that the Nationals proved that can win close games day in and day out. The team knows how to win series. The winning streak wasn’t necessary in order to reveal this, but it definitely highlighted the point for the rest of the MLB.

The Nationals are now are a team to be feared come the playoffs.

The Nationals are 73-54 and no strangers to winning series this season. They remain atop the NL East. During the winning streak, the team was never out of any game. They had five walk-off victories, but these occurred when either the game was tied or the Nationals were within a run during the final innings of play. The team’s pitching staff gave up an average of less than three runs per game during the streak. They controlled the pace of games. The winning streak was done on the Nationals’ terms.

While the Nationals’ offense has a tendency to either take its time throughout the progression of a game or explode in one or two innings of play, the team showed that they are a well-rounded ball club. Pitching sets up an offense to win games. During the streak, starting pitchers Stephen Strasburgand Gio Gonzalezbroke out of their slumps to each throw tremendous outings.

The Nationals revealed a lot about who they are. They showed grit and the ability to win when it matters most. Matt Williams should feel good going into the final stretch of the season. The Nationals are playing their best ball at the right time.